Uncharted #1Review

Share.

Drake and Sully head out in search of the Amber Room.

By Erik Norris

When I'm not writing about comics, I'm constantly obsessing over video games. Thus is the life of many here at IGN, as I'm sure you can imagine. And one of my favorite gaming series of all time is, without question, Uncharted. Not only are the Uncharted games graphically stunning, but they also deliver exactly what I look for when I game: great characters and interesting stories. Maybe better than most of the gaming properties out there that focus on senseless violence with paper thin characters, the world of Uncharted has the potential to be a slam dunk in the realm of comics because of its storytelling richness. Now the dream of seeing Nathan Drake and his chiseled good looks in the funny books has become a reality thanks to the new Uncharted comic series by DC, writer Joshua Williamson and artist Sergio Sandoval.

For this Uncharted series, Williamson is rewinding the clock for an adventure that takes place before the events of Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. The book features Nate and Sully (obviously), as well as a small appearance by Flynn (you know, the guy who turned out to be a total douche in Uncharted 2). There's also another cameo by issue's end that I won't spoil here, but you might be able to connect the dots by looking at the book's cover...

For established Uncharted fans, this first issue should feel like a nice trip down memory lane. Williamson has a solid handle of all the characters' voices and introduces a new treasure-plundering plot that keeps with the Uncharted spirit involving lost tombs and mystical entities. It's quintessential Uncharted.

But maybe that's also the biggest fault of Uncharted #1. For the casual comic reader, this book is not in any way geared towards them. Character introductions are taken for granted and little depth is established here (this could change as the series progresses, however). You learn that Nate and Sully are lovable rogues, but that's about the long and short of it. Even the book's final page reveal will fall completely flat to Uncharted newcomers.

Then again, why else would Uncharted get a comic series if it wasn't aimed towards the fans that have already turned this franchise into a blockbuster success? Looking at Uncharted #1 from that stance, it's easy to forgive the book's tough outer shell. It also helps that the art by Sergio Sandoval is pretty solid. There are places where he makes Drake's perfect hair look, well, less than perfect, but I'm willing to forgive such atrocities considering the rest of the book is more than serviceable. It is clear, however, that Sandoval's art shines brightest when he's given more room on a page to really cut loose with some splashes and spreads.

If you're a fan of Uncharted, you'll find plenty of banter, intrigue and plot to enjoy from this first issue. You just better know your characters going in, otherwise this thing might feel a bit hollow.